Machete Man Malcom Alker Jailed for Four Years

Malcom Alker the former Salford City Reds ace has been jailed for four
years after pleading guilty to robberies at both a KFC and a Tesco
Express store. Alker admitted at Bolton Crown Court to the two counts
of armed robbery and the lesser charge of carrying a bladed weapon.

Wigan born Alker was a fan’s favourite during his playing years,
spending his entire rugby career with Salford Reds, making his debut
way back in May 1997 versus the Sheffield Eagles. He first captained
the side at the tender age of 21 in the absence of Darren Brown. The
once talented hooker also managed to earn two England caps. Alker
announced his retirement in August 2010 but remained at the Willows in
a coaching capacity. The 2011 season saw Malcom start the season as
assistant coach to Shaun McRae however, never far from controversy, he
was dismissed following an undisclosed incident at a training session.

Alker opened up in his autobiography and admitted to using cocaine and
banned growth hormones during his rugby career, and has also sadly
suffered from depression. He was reported missing in April 2016 but
was found safely following a strong social media campaign to find the
former England international.

Alker now 39 and his co-defendant Michael Naylor committed the
offences on the 31st of October 2017. The pair, wearing balaclavas
raided started by raiding the fast food restaurant, KFC, in Pemberton
before moving onto the second shop in Whelley. Little did they know
the pair had stolen a bundle of £20 that contained a GPS tracker. The
pair where then tracked by police to Delegarte Street in Ince. Once
tracked police found Naylor hiding with the GPS tracker and notes –
whilst Alker emerged with his hands up and his fate sealed.

We at World Rugby News were saddened to hear the news being keen rugby
league fans. Loyalty is something that is being seen less and less in
the modern game and Alker was the classic example of a typical rugby
lad. He was known for both his quality on and off the pitch and we
love seeing players who aren’t afraid to let their hair down every now
and then. It does bare the question if pros are given enough support
once their playing careers are over? Once a player leaves the game,
and the money stops, where do they turn? In this case – the wrong way